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Children's Performance Troupe Begins Season

Miss Nelson is missing? Shakespeare's Rude Mechanicals have broken out of a "Midsummer" play to star on their own.

The always popular Hope Summer Repertory Theatre's Children's Performance Troupe (CPT) will look at both questions when they open on June 28 at 10:30 a.m in the DeWitt Studio Theatre.

CPT first presents "Miss Nelson is Missing" from the popular series of books by Harry Allard and James Marshall. The kids in Room 207 are the worst kids in school, but when their teacher Miss Nelson goes missing and is replaced by the feared MissViolaSwamp, the tables are turned. The students realize their behavior drove Miss Nelson away, and they set out to make things right. "Miss Nelson is Missing" will show at 10:30 a.m. on June 28, 30, July 5, 10, 19, 24, August 2, 7 and 11. 1:30 p.m. shows will on July 31, August 4 and 9.

Next, Shakespeare's creation of down-on-their-luck craftsmen hoping to win a prize from the Duke in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" comes to life for children in "The Rude Mechanicals." While the craftsmen hope to turn around their failing fortunes by performing for the Duke's wedding, the mischievous Puck gets involved and the plans go awry. This play-within-a-play is a great way to introduce children to the world of Shakespeare. "The Rude Mechanicals" shows at 10:30 a.m. on July 12, 14, 17, 21, 26, 31, August 4 and 9. 1:30 p.m. showings are on August 2, 7, and 11.

Tickets are just $8 per person. CPT shows sell out on a regular basis, so call early to reserve your seats. The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College campus, at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue in Holland. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890. For more information visit www.hope.edu/hsrt.